Other editions of book In His Steps

In His Steps is a best-selling religious fiction novel written by Charles Monroe Sheldon. First published in 1896, the book has sold more than 50,000,000 copies, and ranks as one of the best-selling books of all time. The full title of the book is In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?.Though variations of the subtitle "What would Jesus do" have been used by Christians for centuries as a form of imitatio dei, the imitation of God, it gained much greater currency following publication of the book.In His Steps takes place in the railroad town of Raymond, probably located in the eastern U.S.A. The main character is the Rev. Henry Maxwell, pastor of the First Church of Raymond, who challenges his congregation to not do anything for a whole year without first asking: “What Would Jesus Do?” Other characters include Ed Norman, senior editor of the Raymond Daily Newspaper, Rachel Winslow, a talented singer, and Virginia Page, an heiress.The novel begins on a Friday morning when a man out of work (later identified as Jack Manning) appears at the front door of Henry Maxwell while the latter is preparing for that Sunday’s upcoming sermon. Maxwell listens to the man’s helpless plea briefly before brushing him away and closing the door. The same man appears in church at the end of the Sunday sermon, walks up to “the open space in front of the pulpit,” and faces the people. No one stops him. He quietly but frankly confronts the congregation—“I’m not complaining; just stating facts.”—about their compassion, or apathetic lack thereof, for the jobless like him in Raymond. Upon finishing his address to the congregation, he collapses, and dies a few days later.That next Sunday, Henry Maxwell, deeply moved by the events of the past week, presents a challenge to his congregation: “Do not do anything without first asking, ‘What would Jesus do?’” This challenge is the theme of the novel and is the driving force of the plot. From this point on, the rest of the novel consists of certain episodes that focus on individual characters as their lives are transformed by the challenge. Source: Wikipedia

"In His Steps" is a classic of Christian literature whose premise centers on the idea of emulating Christ in one's everyday life. When faced with the challenges of everyday life the book suggests that one should ask oneself, "What would Jesus do?" This simple maxim creates a profound way of looking at life and both the common and morally challenging dilemmas that one might face in life. By asking how would Jesus respond in a particular situation an individual can hope to gain a greater insight into living a more pious life. Christians will find "In His Steps" a compelling narrative illustrating this concept.

One hundred years ago Christians read Charles Sheldon’s In His Steps with runaway enthusiasm. Sheldon’s story traces the account of the fictional Reverend Maxwell who challenges himself and his congregation to constantly ask, “What would Jesus do?” This question puts all of life’s circumstances in a new light. Those characters in Sheldon’s book who take the challenge of this question seriously live dramatically changed lives. // But a changed life responding to Jesus’ example of compassion and grace does not always make things easier. People in Sheldon’s story learn that acting like Jesus can alienate others who prefer status quo comfort and social respectability. The real challenge of the question, “What would Jesus do?” is not the initial fervor it evokes but the sustained devotion it can produce.

It was Friday morning and the Rev. Henry Maxwell was trying to finish his Sunday morning sermon. He had been interrupted several times and was growing nervous as the morning wore away, and the sermon grew very slowly toward a satisfactory finish. (...) The minister went up into his study and shut the door. In a few minutes he heard his wife go out, and then everything was quiet. He settled himself at his desk with a sigh of relief and began to write. His text was from 1 Peter 2:21: "For hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that ye should follow his steps." He had emphasized in the first part of the sermon the Atonement as a personal sacrifice, calling attention to the fact of Jesus' suffering in various ways, in His life as well as in His death. He had then gone on to emphasize the Atonement from the side of example, giving illustrations from the life and teachings of Jesus to show how faith in the Christ helped to save men because of the pattern or character He displayed for their imitation. He was now on the third and last point, the necessity of following Jesus in His sacrifice and example.- Taken from "In His Steps" written by Charles M. Sheldon

What does it really mean to be a Christian? In His Steps was the first to ask "What would Jesus do? and quickly became one of the best-selling books of all times. A classic Christian novel. "I want volunteers from First Church who will pledge themselves, earnestly and honestly, for an entire year; not to do anything without first asking the question, 'What would Jesus do?'" The town Reverend never dreamed that among those who responded would be the most influential members of his congregation. Together they pledged themselves to a new step of faith that would change, not just a handful of people, but an entire town-for good.

"For more than a century In His Steps has helped Christians live more Christlike lives. I can't think of a novel that's had a greater impact on the faith of so many believers."--Nick Harrison, author of 365 WWJD? Daily Answers to 'What Would Jesus Do?' "What would Jesus do?" When several members of an ordinary American church are challenged to not take a single action without first asking that crucial question, they discover the power of God to transform their own lives--and their world. Charles M. Sheldon's provocative novel, originally published in 1896 and enthusiastically rediscovered by today's believers, testifies dramatically to the value of Christian witness in all of life.Hendrickson Christian Classics is planned to include all the timeless books that generations of believers have treasured. Each volume in the series is freshly retypeset, while thoughtful new prefaces explore their spiritual and historical contexts. For contemporary readers, this is the essential library of Christian wisdom through the ages.

There’s plenty of cotton candy for the mind and spirit.Here’s a nourishing meal. Enduring Voices books offer time-tested insights into God, scripture, and the Christian experience. With In His Steps, you’ll find a classic novel that has challenged countless believers for well over a century. See how a self-satisfied, well-to-do church is turned upside-down by the visit of a poor, sick unemployed man who asks what exactly it means when Christians say they follow in the steps of Jesus. Find how the question changes lives in the congregation: Rev. Henry Maxwell, who urges his church to ask “What would Jesus do?” before making any decisionNewspaper editor Edward Norman, who begins to question the prize-fight reports that sell copiesRailroad superintendent Alexander Powers, who uncovers fraud in his employer’s activitiesSocialite Rachel Winslow, who senses God leading her to serve the poor In His Steps has been a compelling favorite for generations of believers. Read on to find the substance your soul craves.

One of the bestselling books of all time, Sheldon’s 1897 classic was the first book to coin and popularize the famous question, “What would Jesus do?” The novel tells the story of a small town whose residents are compelled by the local pastor to ask this question before their every action. The challenge ultimately transforms the lives of these residents as they discover the unexpected consequences of aspiring to live like Christ and do well unto others.